A VISION of the future came one step closer to reality for Salford City Reds this week, as architects submitted plans for their new stadium at Barton.

The £35m project - provisionally named the City of Salford Stadium will, say the Reds, secure finances which can help them compete with the top names in the sport.

The 20,000-seater stadium will be designed by leading architects Arup, who were responsible for the Millennium Stadium, Sydney Stadium and City of Manchester Stadium.

Initial plans have been submitted to Salford City Council for the stadium and accompanying developments such as a shopping mall, casino and road, rail and Metrolink extensions.

If all goes well, work could begin by December next year, which would herald a new era at the club, explained Reds chief executive Dave Tarry. He said: "The stadium was conceived to provide revenue streams that will allow the club to compete at the highest level in the game.

"Our relationship with the developers and other partners in the scheme gives plenty of scope for the club to generate substantial income that will ensure that the club can compete financially with any other team in the sport." The ground itself will house a 200-room hotel, conference and banqueting suite and 62 corporate hospitality boxes.

After requests from Willows regulars, the stadium will become the first in the country to house around 5,000 'safe' stands. They are thought to be planned for the same touchline that is currently occupied by the Shed.

Since plans for a new stadium were announced, rumours surrounding possible groundshares and dual use have surrounded the project.

But although the club say they are not depending on anybody else for revenue, they have not ruled out using the stadium for concerts and events.

Reds media manager Carolyn Derbyshire said the initial reaction from fans had been good. She told us: "I took the plans to the Forever Reds meeting on Monday and the feedback was quite positive.

"There is still a bit of resistance from some people, who understandably see the Willows as their spiritual home."

l Full-back Jason Flowers remains a doubt for Sunday's game against Oldham with a deep gash in his arm sustained in the 44-16 win at Rochdale. Malcolm Alker, Neil Baynes and Dave Highton are all expected to be fit.